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I'm a Mexican, mom, wife, blogger, ESL teacher, and translator.
My blog is dedicated to sharing all the fascinating things about Mexico that have nothing to do with politics, violence, and drug cartels, I hope you will gain a deeper understanding about my country and learn to love it as much as I do.

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Hola, amigos! I’m often asked about how safe it is to visit Mexico. There are so many horror stories on the news, I’m sure many people think visiting Mexico is like jumping into the zombie apocalypse. That is not true at all, but you do have to follow certain guidelines to stay safe when traveling to Mexico.

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One of the biggest myths about Mexico is that the whole country is a violent death trap. I admit it’s true that many gruesome things are going on, but I also advice you to put things into perspective.

Mexico is one of the largest countries in the world. That means that a dangerous situation does not necessarily affect the entire country. There are also many places in Mexico where everything is perfectly safe, calm, and peaceful.

Mexico is one of the world’s largest countries

Visiting Mexico is like visiting any other country. There are places you should visit and places you should avoid. There are things you can do and things you shouldn’t do.

However, you should play it safe. At the risk of angering the Mexican ministry of Tourism and many of my countrymen, I will be completely honest and share with you a few tips to help you stay safe in Mexico.

10 Guaranteed Ways To Stay Safe In Mexico

1. Don’t go to these dangerous places

You’ve heard on the news that there are violent and dangerous places in Mexico, and I’m sorry to say that this is very true. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to any of those places because all the tourist attractions and resorts are somewhere else.

This map shows you the states you should avoid (in yellow), according to the U.S. State Department. As you can see, most of the country is safe to visit.

In general, avoid the states that border with the USA, including Sonora, Baja California Norte, and also the state of Sinaloa.

Unfortunately, these states are part of trafficking routes and that’s what makes them so dangerous. Yes, there are things to see there, but it’s better not to risk it.

You also shouldn’t go to the states of Guerrero and Michoacan. Although they are not in this travel advisory section, they have recently been rocked by cartel violence and you should stay away from them.

2. Visit these safe and wonderful places

Most of the states in green (except for Sinaloa, Baja California Norte, Michoacan, and Guerrero), and all of the states in blue are perfectly safe to visit.

Better yet, these cities also offer other awesome little places only a short ride away. Mexico City has the pyramids of Teotihuacan nearby; the ancient ruins of Monte Alban are close to Oaxaca; from the white city of Merida you can catch a tour to the awesome Chichen Itza; the charming town of San Miguel is close to the city of Guanajuato; the picturesque Peña de Bernal is near Queretaro; and beautiful Cholula is right next to Puebla.

Also on the safe and wonderful side are the states of Hidalgo and Tlaxcala. The attraction there is to visit old towns and haciendas to get a taste of life in old Mexico.

Other places you can’t miss are the beach town of Huatulco in Oaxaca, the tropical city of Villahermosa and the Mayan ruins of Palenque in Tabasco, and Mexico’s rainforest version of the Grand Canyon, El Cañon del Sumidero in Chiapas.

There are plenty of peaceful, gorgeous beaches in Mexico

It’s worth noting that I did not mention even half of all the amazing places you can visit safely in Mexico. Sorry about that, but I couldn’t ever finish this post if I tried!

3. Be careful when you visit these other places

There are other famous places in Mexico that are worth a visit, but with certain precautions.

In Guerrero, you can visit the beach resorts of Acapulco, Ixtapa, and Zihuatanejo, as well as the colonial city of Taxco. In Michoacan, the city of Morelia is so gorgeous, even the Pope didn’t miss it. And in Sinaloa, the beach town of Mazatlan is popular with cruise ships and expats.

Even though these places are inside the forbidden zones, you can go there and be safe as long as you don’t wander away from the tourist areas. Also, it’s better to fly there instead of taking a bus or driving.

4. Travel safely

If you want to travel within Mexico, it’s best to fly, sign up for a tour, or take a first-class bus. Driving around is not a good idea.

I honestly don’t recommend that you rent a car. First of all, roads can be extremely confusing, and you might get hopelessly lost. Also, secondary highways are not safe. You would be better off taking a toll highway, although those are expensive. Finally, Mexican drivers are a bit reckless, so you don’t want to join them on the road. Trust me.

If you insist on driving, make sure you do so only during daylight. Also, try to travel with a local friend who knows his way around since it’s best not to stop and ask for directions.

The pyramids of Teotihuacan near Mexico City

5. Be safe in the city

The Mexican cities I mentioned above are all perfectly safe. Of course, you should observe certain safety guidelines. There might be pickpockets and thieves in crowded places, so don’t flash your cash in public. Use ATMs only in well-lit malls and stores, and don’t walk through dark, empty streets late at night. Also, don’t get so drunk that you are not aware of what you’re doing. Hailing cabs is not a good idea either. It’s best to call a cab service.

As you can see, this is all very common sense. I feel silly even giving you these obvious tips. Then again, you never know. Right?

6. Meeting new people

Most Mexicans are extremely friendly and courteous with foreigners. You’ll probably find that everyone is willing to lend you a helping hand if you need it.

You should know that English is NOT spoken everywhere, so most of the time you’ll have to get by with whatever bits of Spanish you know. But don’t worry! Even if your Spanish is awful, Mexicans will try their best to figure out what you’re saying.

As always, use your common sense when socializing. Accepting drinks and rides from complete strangers is never a good idea no matter where you are.

There are many lovely and interesting cities in Mexico

7. On blending in or standing out

Some sites recommend that you try to blend in as much as possible and avoid calling unnecessary attention to yourself. I have to say that’s much easier said than done. Everyone here can spot a foreigner from a mile away, so blending in is not really an option.

However, I do agree that you shouldn’t flash jewelry, cash, or expensive gadgets. That’s just an invitation to get robbed.

To be honest, Mexico is not the only place where you can get robbed. One of my friends got his camera stolen right out of his hands when he was walking through Paris, so this sort of thing can happen anywhere.

8. Exploring the countryside

Mexico has amazing views and many diverse landscapes, so it’s tempting to go on a hiking adventure. You can do that, and it’s perfectly safe as long as you follow basic hiking safety guidelines, such as not going out by yourself.

I do have to warn you against driving on rural roads. You might get lost and cell phone coverage in those areas is non-existent. It’s better to make sure that the hiking tour includes transportation to and from the hotel.

The mesmerizing landscape in Baja

9. Getting crazy

Lots of people think of Mexico as an ideal place to get crazy, specially during spring break. As you can imagine, this goes against all the common sense safety rules I just mentioned.

Local authorities work hard to take good care of tourists so they can have a good time, but that doesn’t mean you should take part in risky situations. Getting into a drunken fight at a seedy joint is never a good idea, for example.

Also, adult entertainment spots are popular with members of the organized criminal gangs and cartel people, so it’s dangerous to go there. Just don’t do it, people.

10. Kidnapping, carjacking and other nightmares

As a tourist, your risk of getting kidnapped in Mexico is practically zero. Sadly, kidnapping for ransom is a real danger for ordinary Mexicans citizens, but not for tourists. Just use your common sense, avoid risky situations, and use ATMs only in stores and malls.

Carjacking is also a problem on Mexican highways, but that mostly happens to people who drive around late at night on lonely roads. It’s also a matter of common sense not to do that, so carjacking shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Finally, there are the random stories of people disappearing and getting butchered somewhere in Mexico. Quite frankly, that will only happen if you insist on wandering around places you’re not supposed to be, such as dangerous states (see map above), seedy joints, dark alleys, and back roads.

Basalt rock formations in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico

10 Guaranteed Ways To Stay Safe In Mexico

Don’t visit places where travel is not advised (see map above).

Go to places where travel is deemed safe (see map above).

If there is a travel advisory, stay in tourist areas.

Avoid driving around by yourself. It’s best to fly or take a bus.

Travel by road only during daylight, and avoid secondary and rural roads.

Use ATMs only in well-lit stores and malls.

Don’t flash cash, jewelry or expensive gadgets.

Don’t wander around seedy spots and joints.

Don’t accept drinks and rides from complete strangers.

Don’t get excessively drunk and crazy.

The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City

The Bottom Line

Visiting Mexico is quite safe if you follow basic, common sense safety rules like the ones I mentioned above. As a matter of fact, you should follow those common sense safety rules no matter what country you’re visiting.

However, it’s sad for me to admit that there are dangerous places in Mexico that you should never set foot on. Honestly, that is a shame. The entire country should be safe and open for all its citizens and tourists.

It’s true several horrible incidents involving tourists have happened- Adam Coleman and Dean Lucas, Harry Devert and Craig Taylor were all tourists who ended up dead. Actually, they were doing exactly the things I just advised you should never do. Nevertheless, I do not blame them. I believe people should be able to come to Mexico and not be in danger at all. Ever.

The bottom line is, if you want to come to Mexico, don’t be afraid to do so. I just shared some very simple, easy ways that guarantee you’ll stay safe and have fun.

My best piece of advice is to come to Mexico and have the best time of your life. Visit a few of the many amazing places I mentioned, have some good food, and enjoy your time here. I promise you’ll want to return, or perhaps you’ll never want to leave!

Have you ever been to Mexico? Do you have any experiences to share? Comment!

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fabiolaofmexico
I'm a Mexican, mom, wife, blogger, ESL teacher, and translator.
My blog is dedicated to sharing all the fascinating things about Mexico that have nothing to do with politics, violence, and drug cartels, I hope you will gain a deeper understanding about my country and learn to love it as much as I do.

Published3 March, 201621 June, 2016

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76 thoughts on “10 Guaranteed Ways To Stay Safe In Mexico”

Thank You. Visiting Mexico for an extended trip has been high on our to-do list for years, but we were so horrified by what happened to Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman and by other stories in the news, that we thought we would have to cross it off our list. This is a very helpful post and makes me excited to know that it is not out of the question after all. I know yours is a beautiful country and culture and I can’t wait to experience it for myself.

I’m glad to know you are reconsidering. I was also horrified by those news, but Mexico really is a wonderful country and there are lots of places you can visit without any danger at all. Like I said, a little common sense goes a long way. I hope you do come and have a great time 🙂

Thank you for sharing this! I was born and raised in the U.S. but as a child and through my adulthood up until 2009, I traveled freely everywhere in Mexico, visited family, walked the streets of Reynosa, Tamaulipas with my cousins. Crossed the border on foot in High School to go out with my classmates. I dreamed of my children one day being able to see the beauty that I grew up with. And, as I write this, I cry. It’s very emotional that my children have not visited Mexico the way I wish they could. We wanted to go this year, but not sure it will happen. They are now 5 & 6 and I want them to see, explore and learn about Mexico. But, I fear for our safety so much. Post like this both calm me and affirm my fears of needing to stay safe. No matter where we go! Thanks!!!!

I know exactly how you feel. I am Mexican, but I grew up in Texas. We would drive down to Mexico on every vacation and never had any trouble. Now, I live in Mexico and I would love to take my kids on a road trip like I experienced, but safety concerns won’t let us. However, I have taken my kids to other places within Mexico, and it’s been great. Your kids are still little. Perhaps they won’t be able to walk the streets of Reynosa for now, but there are other parts of Mexico that they can see and love. Thanks so much for reading and commenting 🙂

Very informative post, Fabiola! I LOVE Mexico. I lived in Guadalajara and I married a man from Mexico City. But I admit, I haven’t been back to Mexico in over 15 years. The violence (or how it’s portrayed in the media) has made me very apprehensive. Also, my husband has a lot of family still living in Mexico City, and unfortunately, most of them have been assaulted and/or mugged at gunpoint. I love how you put things into perspective though, and I might consider traveling to some of the safe areas now.

It’s a shame that fear of violence keeps people away from Mexico. Like I said, there are dangerous places, but there are pretty safe places too. I understand your apprehensions about Mexico City. I live in the metropolitan area and several of my friends and relatives have been mugged too. However, that happens when you live and work here, and you have to take the bus, or return home late at night, or walk down the streets by yourself. It’s quite different when you come to Mexico City as tourist. Of course, there are places, like Yucatan, where you can walk around in the wee hours without any danger whatsoever.

Thank you for this great post. I echo Connie’s comment. I too was born and raised in the US but traveled to Mexico for almost every family trip and long weekend for most of my life. Some of my fondest childhood memories happened in Mexico, and I always looked forward to the day that I could share this special place with my own children. Sadly, we haven’t felt it was safe enough to do so yet, but your post encourages me.

It all depens on where you go. Sadly for Connie, Reynosa in Tamaulipas is one of the places you should definitely not visit. But if you go to Yucatan or Guanajuato, for example, there’s no reason to fear.

Great post Fabiola. I would love to come to Mexico, I have a few Mexican friends. Also a friend’s daughter who is Greek and whose job it is to cook vegan food at yoga retreats comes over quite often. She travels around on buses and has never had any problems.

Very interesting. I actually grew up in Arizona for most of my life and I think I’m one of the few that never visited Mexico (my parents were adamant about it being a no-no) but I’ve always been curious to visit.

I would imagine that living in a country that seems to be “notorious for being dangerous” must be frustating, since it’s your home so thanks for providing information on being smart about travel. 🙂

Yes, it can get frustrating because everyone just focuses on the horror stories the media likes to tell. Like I said, there are parts of Mexico that are a no-go (probably your parents were thinking about not going to one of those), but this is a pretty big country and there are lots of great places to visit too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Wonderful post showing the side of Mexico the media doesn’t portray. Love your pictures and tips. In the end, it’s about staying safe and alert. Been to Mexico once before, would love to visit again soon.

Great points! You have a lovely country. I visited near Mexico City back in 2006 as part of a church group — we were working with Ninos, an orphanage/school group. Loved the pyramids, the crazy driving (we rode with the locals) and the food. I would really love to come back and visit.

Grácias, Fabiola! We have not been to Mexico yet, but it is on my bucket list for sure! My sister honeymooned in Tulum and loved it! I would like to go there someday as well. This is a very good article. Muchissimo grácias!

YES to all of these. I’m from San Diego, so I’ve been more times than I can count. I always get asked if I am afraid to go. No need to be afraid if you have common sense (like you said, not accepting drinks from strangers). Great post!

I absolutely love Mexico and traveling there has never been a problem for me. It’s all about keeping your wits about you and, as you blatantly state, don’t go into dangerous places. It’s the same no matter where you travel but Mexico has been given this bad rap. I’m planning on taking my honeymoon there (Tulum!) and everyone’s saying “oh make sure you stay safe!” despite my having visited the country before and having traveled pretty extensively around the world. i keep reminding them that Mexico really is safe as long as you don’t go to the obviously dangerous places. Trying to erase that bad rap one interaction at a time!

I have never been to Mexico but see beautiful pictures of tulum all the time. A lot of bloggers love it there. I think I would to as I love historic locations and I would be interested in seeing the ruins. You wrote a very real post and it serves great as a guideline.

Morelos is generally safe, but always use your common sense: don’t venture out by yourself late at night or out in the countryside, don’t get too drunk or high so that you’re not aware of what’s happening, don’t flash your cash, stay away from seedy spots, don’t get too friendly with total stranger. Also, you could Uber instead of taking a taxi. It’s a lot more convenient.